Synthesis of New Ruthenium (II) Complex with a Long Excited State Lifetime for Its Use as a DNA Probing Biosensor

Synthesis of New Ruthenium (II) Complex with a Long Excited State Lifetime for Its Use as a DNA Probing Biosensor

Due to the degree of instrumentation needed for DNA diagnostic and colorimetric procedures, it has become considerably expensive for the public and independent laboratories to conduct research on genetic diseases and to probe DNA. Even though myriad technologies are available for detection and measurement of modified target molecules, cell and DNA probing techniques are involved and complex processes. Current methods of chemiluminescence by metal-ligand complexes (such as those with ruthenium) have proven to be ineffective because luminescent lifetimes are extremely short. Hence, the primary focus of this research is to synthesize novel ruthenium-ligand complexes that will have enhanced emission lifetimes. The research in progress has involved the examination of spectrometric properties of the starting ruthenium complexes and ligands of interest; namely, Ru(acac)2(CH3CN)2, Ru(acac)2bipy, 4,4'- bis(cyanomethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine, and 4,4'-Bis(cyanomethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine. Future research will involve the synthesis of new metal-ligand complexes via the incorporation of the ruthenium complexes and ligands previously mentioned. It is expected that the newly synthesized complexes will serve as a conduit through which electrons may flow; therefore, they will possess the capability to serve as biological markers. DNA may react favorably with these complexes because it has excellent electron conducting capabilities and provides a ‘circuit’ through which electrons from the complex may flow. Since the new ruthenium-ligand complexes will be synthesized to have an enhanced emission lifetime, intercalation with DNA will be more easily observed with the naked eye without the use of extensive instrumentation. Such interactions with DNA and other molecules will allow various reactions and modes of binding to be observed during the design and development of new drugs, synthetic restriction enzymes, DNA foot printing, and DNA diagnostics.